Intro Text – Track Focus: Audio Technology
How do advances in audio technology shape the way we design, perform, and experience sound? At Sonic Days 2025, the Audio Technology track dives into the tools, systems, and engineering innovations that define today’s most cutting-edge sound production.
From immersive mixing and playback design to microphone engineering and spatial audio formats, this year’s sessions bridge artistry with precision. Meet the developers, engineers, and creators who are expanding what’s possible in both studio and live environments — revealing how technology not only supports creativity but actively inspires it. Among the featured sessions, you can experience:
David Ziegler
With a background in sound design and audio mixing, David Ziegler has been part of Dolby since 2012, helping shape the way immersive sound is produced and experienced across Europe. His role involves guiding post facilities, music studios, and audio professionals in optimizing their Dolby Atmos workflows — from studio design to creative mixing approaches. In his session, David will explore the evolving ecosystem of immersive sound production, offering insights into how spatial formats are transforming both music and media. Attendees will gain a practical understanding of setup strategies, calibration, and creative opportunities that come with working in Dolby Atmos environments.
Eddy Bøgh Brixen
Immersive sound systems can range from intimate setups to large-scale, multi-speaker environments — but how do you design for the best listening experience? In this hands-on workshop, audio engineer Eddy Bøgh Brixen unpacks the acoustic and technical principles behind creating truly immersive listening spaces. Covering venues from cinemas and concert halls to experimental installations and studio rooms, Eddy discusses requirements, design choices, and real-world solutions. Participants will walk away with tangible ideas for optimizing their own rooms — learning how to make immersive sound not just technically precise, but artistically powerful.
Nuno Fonseca
As immersive audio continues to redefine creative workflows, developer and researcher Nuno Fonseca explores how these formats influence the very tools we use to make sound. In this talk, Nuno shares insights from the development of products such as Stardust, SkyDust, and SP3, revealing how plugin and software design must adapt to a multi-format, spatially aware market. The session offers a behind-the-scenes look at balancing usability, flexibility, and creative control in tools built for immersive music and post-production — offering both inspiration and technical perspective for sound designers and developers alike.
Karan Walia
Playback engineering is rapidly becoming one of the most vital elements of modern live shows — and few embody that evolution like Karan Walia. Known for his work with artists such as Kontra K and Hans Zimmer, Karan bridges music production and live performance, transforming playback from a support role into a full-fledged creative discipline. In this engaging session, he demonstrates real Ableton Live sessions, showing how playback design enhances stage dynamics, reliability, and artistic impact. Attendees will learn how to think like both a producer and a performer — turning technical preparation into a central part of the concert experience.
Martin Schneider
As a microphone development engineer at Georg Neumann GmbH since 1992, Martin Schneider has helped revive some of the most iconic microphones in recording history, including the U 47 fet, U 67, and M 49. His workshop opens the lab doors to explore how vintage reissues are recreated with precision while adapting to modern production demands. From maintaining classic designs to innovating new models for stage and studio, Martin offers a deep look at the craft of microphone development. Participants are encouraged to bring questions — whether about capsule design, frequency response, or the art of engineering timeless sound tools.